The 5 Gross Ways Your Phone Is Ruining Your Skin

You know that feeling of nakedness that comes with forgetting or losing your phone? It’s like we can’t seem to function correctly without this little device these days. The thing is, we can function without it. In fact, there are parts of us that actually function better when we’re not constantly attached to our phones. Still clutching that iPhone 6 for dear life? Find out how it’s impacting your beauty and see if you won’t loosen your grip.

Acne

Newsflash. Phones are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Think about it: It is constantly coming into contact with your fingers and face. Because of our constant cheek-to-screen connection with this bacteria-infested device, our pores become clogged and breakouts ensue. Keep your face as clear as can be by wiping down your phone screen with a cotton ball and alcohol on the daily. Also, make sure you give your skin a thorough facial cleansing (or double-cleansing) twice a day. Try using a tea-tree-oil-infused cleanser (like The Body Shop Skin Clearing Facial Wash) and/or toner to make sure you rid your mug of any bacteria you’ve accumulated throughout the day.

Wrinkles

The teeny-tiny text that appears on your phone often causes you to squint and hold the device right up to your face. Believe it or not, this seemingly harmless action could be giving you premature wrinkles. All that squinting with your eyes is just helping form wrinkles and crow’s feet, and nobody wants that. Try maximizing the screen on your phone and increasing its brightness to give your eyes a little break. Also, more importantly, equip your peepers with a wrinkle-fighting eye cream (like L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream) that will keep those dreaded lines at bay.

Turkey Neck

Ever heard of “text neck?” We promise it’s a thing. This condition is a result of constantly looking down at your phone. When we do this too much, we are encouraging collagen breakdown in our neck region, which can lead to premature wrinkles and line in the area. Hence, the title “turkey neck.” Gobble, gobble. Avoid this by holding your phone up when you look at it, so that it’s directly in front of you. Facial yoga is also another way to combat this. Keep the neck area hydrated and supple with a daily moisturizer and/or SPF like La Roche-Posay HydraPhase Intense UV.

Under-Eye Bags and Circles

That bright light that emerges from your phone at night from text messages and notifications can keep you up, especially when you sleep with your phone under your pillow or anywhere near you. Anything that disrupts you from catching Zzzs can lead to under-eye bags and circles as well as dull skin. Do yourself a favor and shut that darn phone off when it’s time for you to shut off, too! If you have an iPhone, you can use the “Do Not Disturb” feature in Settings and schedule it for bedtime.

Dark Spots

The heat that sometimes radiates from an overused phone can be a “no bueno” for your skin. In fact, it can have a similar effect as the sun. Yup, according to Dr. Dendy Engelman, Manhattan Dermatologist, those dark spots that pop up from too much UV action can occur from too much phone action, too. Try using a bluetooth device or speakerphone option when engaging in long convos with your BFF. Also, if you already know you’re a chatterbox, consider using an antioxidant serum (we love Skinceuticals C E Ferulic to keep those spots away!